The FDP is calling on Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) to make proposals for a fundamental financial reform for statutory health insurance. Party Vice-President Johannes Vogel told the German Press Agency: "We have to make the financing of the social security systems permanently stable." In view of demographic change and medical progress, which must be achieved by all, this also requires structural reforms.

"Calling for more and more tax and contribution money cannot be a solution in view of the already existing record burdens on citizens and companies," Vogel said. "Karl Lauterbach therefore also has to tackle the expenses."

The FDP politician referred to the law passed by the Bundestag last year on a financial injection for the funds for the year 2023, in which the ministry was tasked with submitting corresponding recommendations by May 31. It is now June, and there is no recommendation to Parliament. "That has to change as soon as possible."

Lauterbach had already announced a financing concept, which is currently being discussed within the government. A proposal will be made "very close to the legally prescribed period".

At the same time, the SPD politician made it clear on Thursday that it was not possible to be much earlier, because Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) had rightly taken a lot of time to prepare the key figures for a budget. They had to rely on that.

The statutory health insurance companies (GKV) expect a deficit again next year after secured finances in 2023. The umbrella association expects a gap of between 3.5 and 7 billion euros. Without countermeasures, this would result in an increase in the average additional contribution of 0.2 to 0.4 percentage points.

The head of the GKV, Doris Pfeiffer, called on the government to stabilize the economy in the long term and warned: "The spiral of contribution increases must be broken." Lauterbach had repeatedly rejected benefit cuts.